Sunday, June 16, 2013

Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Veronica Wolff back on the blog. I was really excited about reading her most recent release of her Watchers series, The Keep. It’s the fourth book of the series so far and I thought it was a great continuation to her series. But before learning more about The Keep, you can read an interview below, in which I questioned Veronica with things I was itching to ask her after reading her newest book. Also, don’t forget to check out the giveaway!

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1. First off, welcome back to Tynga's Reviews, Veronica. The Keep, the fourth book of The Watchers series, has been released June 4th, 2013. Is it truly the last book of the series or is there more to come?

Thanks for having me! The Keep is definitely not the last installment in the Watchers series. I'm working on book five now—I'll just be publishing it myself. All future books will be available online.

2. What next for the series?

Book five will be told from Ronan's point of view. I thought it'd be an interesting way of catching up readers who are new to the series, while also appealing to established fans. It also enables me to reveal secrets, relationships, and action that Drew hasn't been privy to. Besides, selfishly speaking, I completely adore Ronan, so it makes it really fun for me!

3. The books from your Watchers series were your first published young adult novels. Do you plan on writing more young adult novels in the future?

For sure! It's become my favorite genre, both to read and to write. In addition to my Watchers series, I'm working on a stand-alone contemporary, with romantic elements, naturally. ;-) Stay tuned!

5. If you had to introduce Drew, the main character of The Keep to readers that have never met her, how would you describe her?

That's the fun thing about the book I'm writing now—we get to see Drew through Ronan's eyes for the first time. If I had to introduce her, I'd tell people she's a smart, funny, and loyal young woman who's coming into her own, and that even though she doesn't always know how to keep her mouth shut, she's sympathetic and definitely someone you'd want having your back.

5. Besides Drew, who was your favorite character to write about? Are there any characters that surprised you as the series progressed?

I have a big old crush on Carden—he's so fun to write! I just love that guy's guy type, the one who's tender and protective one moment and then just the right amount of naughty the next. Besides, as you can see from my backlist, I can't resist a Scotsman.

Otherwise, I think Mei-Ling is the character who most surprised me. Maybe because she was harder for me to flesh out, she resonated much more than I'd initially expected her to. We definitely haven't seen the last of her--I miss her and am anxious to see how she's grown and progressed.

6. Your other series and books are mostly romance. Did you always plan to write about vampires and the supernatural? Are there any other genres that you might be interested in?

No, I didn't expect that'd happen at all. I'm a fan of horror, though, and whether it's The Vampire Diaries television show or the Twilight books, I've loved so many of the teen vampires out there. But I found myself wanting something darker, something grittier and more sinister, and the Watchers was born. As for writing in other genres, I'm definitely interested, particularly if it's within young adult. I like contemporary romantic stories, or personal journeys that involve romantic elements. I grew up reading fantasy, and there's probably a fantasy novel in me somewhere, someday, too.

Now on to some event related questions:

7. What is your favorite summer treat?

All the amazing fresh fruit—berries, melon, you name it. I live in California, and we are positively spoiled with it. I do like a few strawberries with my whipped cream, you know. Oh, and Fudgsicles! My summer definitely features a lot of Fudgsicles.

8. Is the summer solstice something that is observed or celebrated in The Watchers' world?

Ooh—good question! All of those ancient holidays and celebrations play a part in the Watchers' world. The island is peopled by Vikings and Celts—the summer solstice will surely come up at some point.

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Thank you so much for stopping by, Veronica! I’m glad we got to do this again!

Check out more about THE KEEP:

JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE DEAD DOESN’T MEAN YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM.

Drew has just started her second year on the Isle of Night, and the weather isn’t the only thing changing drastically. She has ascended to the rank of Initiate. She’s also found an intimate love in the handsome vampire, Carden. But most of all, she no longer dreams of escape. She dreams of vengeance.

Her friend, Emma, was brutally wounded by the savage vampire Alcántara, and may have been taken to the dreaded castle, from which none of the living return. But there are so many different stories from so many people with so many of their own deceits and machinations, Drew can’t be sure of anything—except that she must find a way into the castle to discover the truth and take down Alcántara once and for all.

But Drew isn’t the only one out for revenge. Someone very dangerous on the island is also out for blood…

Veronica is offering a copy of The Keep to 3 lucky winners. One of the winners can be from Canada, while the others only from the USA. Like all Supernatural Solstice giveaways, it ends on July 5th, 2013.

About Veronica Wolff

Veronica Wolff is an award-winning, bestselling author with a soft spot for kilts, mountains, beaches, and vampires. Not necessarily at the same time. She lived everywhere from Texas, to Hawaii, to India, before finally settling in Northern California, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and small menagerie of rescued pets.